NOTE.--At this time Athanasius taught that it is the duty of every Christian, to read the holy Scriptures, on the 6th chap. Eph. Again, he prohibited the practice of making a likeness of God for the purpose of worshiping him thereby, etc., as being an unlawful thing. _Contr. Gent. Sam. Veltius, in the Geslacht-register, page 118._ _Notice concerning several writings attributed to Athanasius._--The pedobaptists, prone to bring forward everything that seems in any wise to favor their views, were wont to adduce the 114th and the 124th question of a certain book called, _Various Questions of Holy Scripture_, attributed to Athanasius. But in answer to this we say: that said book is not the work of Athanasius, but of some other author who wrote subsequently to him; as in his 23d question he cites Athanasius as one having lived before him, saying: “This is the testimony of the great Athanasius, a man who was mighty in the divine Scriptures; but we, who are enlightened by him.” Moreover, that book contains many opinions foreign to Athanasius, as shown by the _Centuriatores Magdenburgenses, Cent. 4, cap. 10, p. 1032_. See also, _H. Montan. Nietigh., p. 69, and J. M., Bapt. Hist., pages 360, 361_. NOTE.--_A. D. 320. Lactantius Firmianus_ taught at this time: 1. “That the sacrifices of the Christian are, a good life, purity, and good works. 2. That there is no religion in a place where there are images. _Lib. 2_, of the _Divine Instruction_. Also, _Sam. Veltius_, in the _Geslacht-register,. pp. 116, 117_. 3. He taught against compulsion of conscience, and revenge, as appears from the following. He writes to the Emperor Constantine (_5th book, chap. 20_): “The more the religion of God is suppressed, the more it breaks forth and grows; hence they should employ reasoning and admonition; it is not necessary to proceed with violence. For religion admits of no compulsion; persuasive words can do more to promote the cause than blows.” Again (_5th book, chap. 21_) he writes: “We Christians do not desire that any one should serve God, the Creator of all, against his will; neither are we angry if he does not serve him; for we trust his Majesty, who can as easily avenge himself against those who despise him, as he does the vexations and injuries inflicted upon his servants. Therefore, when we suffer such shameful things, we say not one word against it, but commit all vengeance to God; not doing as those who would be regarded protectors of their gods, and very cruelly assail those who do not worship them.” _Korte ontschuldiging, by P. V. K., edition of 1643, page 47, from Religions Vryheydt, 2d part, p. 10._